THE Twiga partnership, a collaboration between Barrick Gold Corporation and the Tanzanian government, has been highlighted as a key contributor to Tanzania’s extractive industry revenue, generating 51 percent of the sector’s income, according to the Tanzania Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative’s latest report. The partnership includes the North Mara and Bulyanhulu gold mines, which continue to play a central role in the country’s mining landscape.
Both mines also set an example for safety in the industry, with Bulyanhulu receiving this year’s Occupational Safety and Health Award, and North Mara being named as the leading company in worker welfare for those with special needs by Tanzania’s Occupational Safety and Health Authority.
Speaking to the media and stakeholders on October 5, Barrick’s president and CEO, Mark Bristow, reported ongoing progress in exploration at both Bulyanhulu and North Mara, with a focus on expanding and replacing depleted reserves. This exploration includes not only brownfields but also greenfield projects, which have shown promising potential for new mine additions to Barrick’s portfolio in Tanzania.
Bristow also highlighted the success of the Barrick-Twiga Future Forward Education initiative, which has completed its first phase with a $10 million investment into expanding infrastructure across 64 schools. The initiative has led to the construction of 396 classrooms, 97 dormitories, and 600 ablution blocks. Phase two is set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, with an additional $10 million investment, followed by a third phase of similar value.
In addition to infrastructure development, the Barrick Academy, launched earlier this year by the Tanzanian Minister of Minerals at the closed Buzwagi mine, has trained over 1,000 foremen, supervisors, and superintendents across Barrick’s Africa and Middle East operations. The academy is expected to exceed its target of training more than 2,000 people this year, contributing significantly to capacity building in the industry.
Addressing recent allegations of human rights abuses at the North Mara mine, Bristow reiterated Barrick’s commitment to transparency. He confirmed that the company had referred these allegations to the Tanzanian Commission of Human Rights and Good Governance. Following a site visit and investigation, the Commission found no evidence of human rights violations, dismissing claims made by certain international NGOs.
The Twiga partnership remains a key pillar of Tanzania’s mining sector, not only contributing significantly to the economy but also leading in safety standards, capacity building, and social investment.
